MIDDLE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

ILoveLanguages!

30 Jan 202304:12

Summary

TLDRThe transcript discusses Middle English, the stage of the English language spoken from approximately 1150 to 1500. It highlights the language's development after the Norman conquest of 1066 and its evolution through the Middle Ages. The text also includes an excerpt from a Middle English work, showcasing its vocabulary and pronunciation. The summary touches on the significance of pilgrimage in the period, as well as the social and literary context of the time, illustrating how language, culture, and history intertwined during this era.

Takeaways

📜 Middle English was spoken from the Norman Conquest of 1066 until the late 15th century.
📅 The Oxford English Dictionary specifies the period of Middle English as 1150 to 1500.
📈 Middle English evolved following the Old English period, marked by distinct linguistic changes.
📖 Middle English developed during the High to Late Middle Ages.
📚 Key vocabulary in Middle English includes words like 'breath,' 'son,' 'melody,' and 'pilgrimage.'
🔄 A sample text from Middle English showcases the language's unique structure and vocabulary.
🌬️ The text describes the influence of nature, such as the 'Zephyrus' breeze, in Middle English.
🏰 The passage references medieval concepts like pilgrimages and the quest for holy relics.
👥 The excerpt mentions a group of pilgrims setting out for Canterbury, reflecting social practices of the time.
📜 The structure of Middle English texts often includes lengthy, descriptive passages.

Q & A

What is Middle English?
-Middle English is a form of the English language spoken after the Norman Conquest of 1066 until the late 15th century.
What time period does the Oxford English Dictionary specify for Middle English?
-The Oxford English Dictionary specifies the period when Middle English was spoken as being from 1150 to the 1500s.
What historical event marks the beginning of the Middle English period?
-The Norman Conquest of 1066 marks the beginning of the Middle English period.
What were some of the key developments in the English language during the Middle English period?
-During the Middle English period, the English language underwent distinct variations and developments, transitioning from Old English and evolving through the high to late Middle Ages.
What are some examples of vocabulary from the Middle English period mentioned in the script?
-Examples of vocabulary from the Middle English period mentioned in the script include 'breath,' 'son,' 'melody,' 'pilgrimage,' 'holy,' 'sake,' 'assassin,' 'die,' 'company,' 'folk,' 'nonetheless,' 'begin,' 'young,' and 'every.'
What is the significance of the sample text provided in the script?
-The sample text provided in the script is an excerpt from Geoffrey Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales,' a classic work of Middle English literature, which illustrates the language and style of the period.
Who is Geoffrey Chaucer, and why is he important in the context of Middle English?
-Geoffrey Chaucer is a significant figure in the history of Middle English literature, best known for his work 'The Canterbury Tales,' which provides a vivid depiction of Middle English language and society.
What themes are explored in the sample text from 'The Canterbury Tales'?
-The sample text from 'The Canterbury Tales' explores themes of pilgrimage, devotion, and the diverse backgrounds of the people undertaking the journey.
What does the phrase 'pilgrimages' in the sample text refer to?
-In the sample text, 'pilgrimages' refers to the religious journeys undertaken by people in the Middle Ages to visit holy sites, which was a common practice during that period.
Why is the Norman Conquest significant in the history of the English language?
-The Norman Conquest is significant in the history of the English language because it brought a substantial influence of Norman French into English, which played a crucial role in the development of Middle English.

Outlines

00:00

📜 The Evolution of Middle English

This paragraph introduces Middle English, a form of the English language spoken from the aftermath of the Norman Conquest in 1066 until the late 15th century. The paragraph highlights the significant linguistic changes and developments during this period, marking a transition from Old English. It also notes the timeline specified by the Oxford English Dictionary for the Middle English period as being from 1150 to 1500, coinciding with the High to Late Middle Ages.

🗣️ Vocabulary and Text Samples of Middle English

This section presents a sample of Middle English vocabulary and text. It lists various words such as 'breath,' 'son,' 'melody,' and 'pilgrimage,' and provides an excerpt from a Middle English text. The text sample exemplifies the language's distinctive features, showcasing the lexicon and phrasing typical of the period. It also mentions the context of pilgrimages, a common theme in Middle English literature.

✒️ A Pilgrimage Narrative in Middle English

In this paragraph, a detailed description of a pilgrimage is provided, highlighting the journey's purpose and the diversity of the travelers. The narrative describes the pilgrimage's religious motivation, with individuals from various regions of England embarking on a journey to Canterbury to seek spiritual solace. The paragraph also alludes to 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer, reflecting the storytelling tradition associated with pilgrimages during the Middle English period.

👥 The Fellowship of Pilgrims

This section delves into the camaraderie and fellowship among the pilgrims. It describes a group of 29 individuals, each with distinct backgrounds, who form a company bound for Canterbury. The paragraph emphasizes their shared purpose and the bonds that develop among them during their journey. The narrative also touches on the social dynamics within the group, with an emphasis on mutual respect and fellowship.

🌅 Departure and Preparation for the Journey

This final paragraph depicts the preparations and early morning departure of the pilgrims. It describes how the group, having formed bonds the previous evening, sets out together at dawn. The paragraph highlights the sense of anticipation and the solemnity of the journey ahead, as well as the pilgrims' readiness to share their stories along the way. The narrative concludes by setting the stage for the individual tales to follow, echoing the structure of 'The Canterbury Tales.'

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Middle English

Middle English is the form of the English language spoken from approximately 1150 to 1500 AD, following the Norman Conquest of 1066. This period marks the transition from Old English to Modern English. The video discusses Middle English as a phase in the evolution of the English language, with significant changes in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

💡Norman Conquest

The Norman Conquest of 1066 was a pivotal event in English history when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, invaded England and became its king. This event led to the introduction of Norman French, which significantly influenced the English language, contributing to the development of Middle English. The video mentions the conquest as a starting point for the transition from Old to Middle English.

💡Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a comprehensive dictionary of the English language. The video references the OED's designation of the Middle English period as spanning from 1150 to 1500. The OED serves as an authority on English language history, providing scholarly definitions and timeframes.

💡High Middle Ages

The High Middle Ages is a historical period typically ranging from the 11th to the late 13th century. The video places the development of Middle English during this time, highlighting how the language evolved along with cultural and societal changes in medieval Europe.

💡Late Middle Ages

The Late Middle Ages is the period from the 14th to the 15th centuries, characterized by significant events such as the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War. The video mentions this period as the final phase of Middle English, leading up to the emergence of Early Modern English in the 16th century.

💡Vocabulary

Vocabulary refers to the words that make up a language. In the video, specific Middle English words are highlighted, such as 'breath,' 'melody,' and 'pilgrimage.' These words illustrate the linguistic changes and the blending of Old English and Norman French influences during the Middle English period.

💡Pilgrimage

A pilgrimage is a journey to a sacred place for religious reasons. In the video, this term is exemplified in the sample text, where pilgrims embark on a journey to visit a holy shrine. Pilgrimages were common during the Middle Ages, reflecting the deep religious devotion of the time, and this concept is a key theme in Middle English literature, such as in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales.'

💡Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer was a famous Middle English poet, best known for writing 'The Canterbury Tales.' The video’s sample text seems to draw from his work, particularly his portrayal of a group of pilgrims traveling together. Chaucer's writing exemplifies Middle English and provides valuable insights into the culture and language of the time.

💡Canterbury

Canterbury is a city in England and the destination of the pilgrimage in 'The Canterbury Tales.' The video references this city in the sample text, where pilgrims are traveling to the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Canterbury symbolizes religious devotion and pilgrimage in Middle English literature.

💡Holy Blissful Martyr

The 'Holy Blissful Martyr' refers to Saint Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in 1170. In the video, the sample text mentions pilgrims seeking the shrine of this martyr. Saint Thomas Becket’s shrine in Canterbury was a popular pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, making him a significant figure in Middle English religious narratives.

Highlights

Middle English is a form of the English language spoken after the Norman conquest of 1066 until the late 15th century.

The English language underwent distinct variations and developments following the Old English period.

Scholarly opinion varies on the exact dates, but the Oxford English Dictionary specifies the Middle English period as from 1150 to 1500.

This stage of English development roughly coincides with the High to Late Middle Ages.

Middle English vocabulary includes words like 'breath,' 'son,' 'melody,' 'pilgrimage,' and 'holy.'

Other significant Middle English words include 'sake,' 'assassin,' 'die,' 'company,' and 'folk.'

Sample Middle English text: 'And bothered every Vine in switch liqueur of which virtue and gender this is the floor...'

The text references the 'zephyrus,' describing a gentle breeze that affects nature.

Middle English is characterized by its poetic style and religious themes, as seen in references to pilgrimages and holy figures.

The language features a mix of old and new vocabulary, reflecting the dynamic changes during the Middle Ages.

Sample Middle English continues: '...Ram his halva kursirunna and smaller fools Mark and melodia that slap in all the neat with open ear...'

The text reflects the importance of nature and religious devotion in Middle English literature.

Pilgrimages were a common theme, symbolizing both physical and spiritual journeys.

The text mentions a 'company' of 29 people, highlighting the communal aspect of pilgrimages.

The language's structure and style indicate a transition from Old English to more modern forms of expression.